Hyman Ltd is selling two very famous Bugatti's from the General William Lyon collection.

Both cars have been in the collection of Major General William Lyon for decades, a man forever ingrained in United States military history as one of the most distinguished and accomplished generals to serve in the United States Air Force.

In his later years, General Lyon founded the Lyon Air Museum in Orange County, California, where visitors could experience a remarkable assembly of World War II aircraft including a B-17 Flying Fortress and B-25 Mitchell, alongside military vehicles and a thoughtfully curated selection of classic motorcars. The museum still stands as a reflection of General Lyon’s lifelong passion for preserving the machinery and stories that shaped the twentieth century, however, now without many of the classic cars.

Major General William Lyon was born on March 9, 1923, and died at the age of 97 on May 22, 2020. See for (much more) info on this remarkable man: lyonairmuseum.org.

• 1908 Bugatti Type 10 ‘Le Petit Pur-Sang’ - Chassis 10
• 1965 Bugatti Type 101C-X body by Exner - Chassis 101506

1908 Bugatti Type 10 ‘Le Petit Pur-Sang’ - Chassis 10

• The genesis of Bugatti Automobiles
• Designed and built in Ettore’s home in Cologne, Germany
• The blueprint for the first production model, the Type 13
• Retained by the Bugatti family until Ettore’s death in 1947
• Discovered in the early 1960s by marque experts Antoine Rafaelli and Jean de Dobeleer
• Acquired and restored by the William F. Harrah Collection in 1971
• Offered from the famed Lyon Family Collection, where it has resided since 1986

Ettore Bugatti’s Early Days
Born in Italy of a richly talented artistic family, Ettore Bugatti was undoubtedly destined for greatness. His father Carlo was famous for his exceptionally crafted Art Nouveau furniture, his paternal grandfather, Giovanni Luigi Bugatti was an architect and sculptor, and even Ettore’s younger brother Rembrandt became renowned for his beautiful animal sculptures. At the encouragement of his father, young Ettore pursued a technical career, focusing his studies on engineering and starting his career with an apprenticeship at one of Milan’s leading cyclecar manufacturers. He showed considerable prowess for all aspects of motor vehicle design, designing an impressively well-engineered motorized trike sold as the Prinetti & Stucchi Type 1.

His experiments with four-wheeled prototypes led Ettore to catch the eye of Baron Adrien de Turckheim, who hired him at Lorraine-Dietrich in Alsace, then German territory. By 1902, Ettore served as head of technology at De Dietrich. All along, he continued designing projects of his own, eventually assuming the role of Production Director (chief engineer) for Deutz Gasmotoren Fabrik in Cologne, Germany. Deutz cars were renowned for superior quality, but their large and heavy nature was not to Ettore Bugatti’s taste. He recognized the European economy may not support such large, expensive cars for long, and felt a small yet sophisticated voiturette may appeal to a wider audience. Bugatti’s restless, relentless creativity fueled his desire for something different.

The Little Thoroughbred
During the winter between 1908 and 1909, while still employed by Deutz, Ettore constructed the first complete car to bear his name – the Type 10. Designed to be light, powerful and nimble, the car was powered by a 1,200cc four-cylinder engine designed by Ettore from scratch. The engine featured advanced technology such as a bevel shaft-driven single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder operated by cleverly designed tappets, a multi-plate clutch, and shaft drive. The engine operated at 1,500 rpm and was capable of reaching 2,000 rpm, a remarkable figure for its time. The engine bore the famous “EB” stamp for the first time. Bugatti utilized a simple channel chassis fitted with leaf springs, wooden wheels, and cable operated brakes. Since it was primarily a prototype, little consideration was given to style and the car was skinned in a simple, alloy body without doors, left unpainted. Weighing just 365kg (ca. 800lbs) and producing about 10 horsepower, it was remarkably quick for such a small machine and delightfully balanced for nimble handling. Ettore’s lifelong passion for horses undoubtedly inspired its nickname - Le Petite Pur Sang – the little thoroughbred.

At an exhibition in Cologne, pioneering French aviator Louis Bleriot trialed the Type 10 and was thrilled by the little car, and pleaded with Ettore to put his voiturette into production. By this point in his career, Ettore had the attention of financial backers, and with the support of patrons like Pierre de Vizcaya, the opening of a factory became a new priority. They settled on a disused Tannery located in the village of Molsheim, Alsace, and on January 1, 1910, having completed his contractual obligations to Deutz, Ettore Bugatti signed lease on his factory. While Bugatti has long been considered proudly French, its origins are multinational – Ettore Bugatti remained an Italian citizen until 1946, and Molsheim’s location in Alsace meant the company was actually based in Germany from its foundation until the end of The Great War.

The diminutive Type 10 was fundamental to Bugatti’s move toward serial production. Bugatti’s first production model, the Type 13, was essentially an enlarged and refined version of the Type 10. As Ettore’s first Bugatti automobile, the sentimental attachment to Le Petit Pur Sang was understandably strong, and he never entertained selling it. It remained a fixture in the factory, and through the years it was nicknamed “the bathtub” by workers, undoubtedly for its simplistic, unpainted metal coachwork. Into the 1930s, the Type 10 even served as regular transport for Ettore’s first wife Barbara as she preferred it’s light weight and easy operation. At some point, Ettore had the car freshened, painting the chassis and wheels a distinctive red-orange color, and workers responded by nicknaming it “the lobster” in jest. It remained very much a part of the family, with Roland Bugatti recalling “We always kept it at Molsheim, and it became sort of a family pet, and eventually, a prized part of our collection.”

The Survival of the Type 10
In 1939, German troops moved toward Alsace and Bugatti was forced to abandon his Molsheim factory and evacuate to safer territory. Critical machinery and workers were relocated some 800km away to Bordeaux, and Ettore was sure to take the Type 10 with him. There, it was stored at a shipyard, and it stayed there for the duration of the war.

After the war, Ettore Bugatti struggled and fought to regain control of his factory in Molsheim, an effort which absorbed his spirit and his health. He died in 1947, shortly after wresting his beloved factory from government control. The Type 10 remained in Bordeaux and fell into a state of neglect, and it slipped off the radar.

At some point the Type 10 was stolen, presumably for scrap value, and wound up in a junkyard some 160km north in Niort. Miraculously, it was saved from the scrapper, discovered in 1961 by the “Bugatti Hunter” Antoine Rafaelli who purchased it and quickly passed it to his compatriot and fellow Bugatti archaeologist, Jean de Dobbeleer, who determined its significance. It was sold to the Belgian collector and hotelier Georges Marquet, who kept it for about a decade before he dispersed his collection. In 1971, the Petit Pur Sang caught the attention of famed collector William F. Harrah, through Claude Dubois, an agent working for Marquet.

While Harrah is famously one of the most prolific collectors of all time, he was also incredibly fastidious and selective about the cars he collected. Reportedly, several skeptical letters were sent from Harrah’s chief curator Edward Catlett to Dubois, De Dobbeleer and others, seeking consensus on the car’s provenance. Mr. Harrah wanted assurances of its authenticity. Among the most important evidence came from Francois Seyfried, then supervisor of the Bugatti works in Molsheim, who knew the car personally and attested to its history. Marque historians have reached similar conclusions with their own research, corroborating the findings of Harrah’s team.

Once in the Harrah Collection, it underwent a sympathetic restoration, returning it to its original look of bare aluminum bodywork over an orange painted chassis. Concessions included the fitment of slightly later Brescia gearbox and magneto – components derived from the Type 10’s original design. The gem of a 1,200-cc engine was rebuilt and returned to full running order and detailed in black, copper and brass – notably retaining its original “EB” stamped brass ID plate.

In the mid-1980s, the Harrah Collection was gradually dispersed over the course of several events and auctions. Maj. Gen. William Lyon of California had been assembling one of the premier automobile collections in the world, and he added Le Petit Pur Sang to his growing collection in 1986, purchasing it from the Harrah Collection. Significantly, this ‘first Bugatti’ became stablemate to another highly important Bugatti, the final Type 101C, bodied by Ghia to a Virgil Exner design. In the care of the Lyon Family Collection, the restoration performed by Harrah’s team has been beautifully preserved, and the car has made occasional outings to prestigious events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

In the past four-plus decades that the Type 10 and the Type 101C have sat shoulder-to-shoulder in the Lyon Family Collection, they have represented the ‘bookends’ of Ettore Bugatti’s enduring legacy of style, mechanical artistry, and performance. The Type 10 Le Petit Pur Sang was once a prized possession of the Bugatti family, it later became a cherished part of the Lyon Family Collection, and it now represents an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most significant pieces of Bugatti history – the car that started it all.

1965 Bugatti Type 101C-X body by Exner - Chassis 101506

• Offered out of more than 40 years of care in the Lyon Family Collection
• One of just seven Type 101 chassis built, and equipped from new with the optional supercharged engine
• Retained by Bugatti until 1961
• Clear, well-known provenance throughout its existence
• Exceptionally well-preserved and largely unrestored condition

The Final Chapters of Le Patron
During the long, dark days of World War II, Ettore Bugatti persisted. The final chapters of his company began in 1939 when, at the behest of the French government, Ettore evacuated his Molsheim factory to a scruffy industrial site in Bordeaux some 800km from the German border, to produce camshafts, crankshafts and propellor shafts for Hispano-Suiza aircraft engines. His beloved chateau and factory had fallen to the occupation forces, so business shifted to Bugatti’s Paris showroom at Avenue Montaigne. Naturally, selling Bugatti automobiles in such an environment was nearly impossible, but nevertheless, Ettore remained hopeful and continued to design cars from his Paris home. Among his many concepts, only the Type 73, a 1,500cc light car with optional supercharger reached the prototype phase, but he held on to hope that cars would once again roll from the Molsheim factory gates.

Unfortunately for Ettore, the end of the occupation did not equate to a seamless return to business as usual. His factory fell under French government control, but bureaucratic roadblocks and suspicion of Bugatti’s Italian roots meant it took years of lawsuits and appeals for him to be allowed back to his factory. And when he got the keys back, he found precious machinery stolen and overturned, and offices burned. The stress of the war, the reconstruction, and the struggle to regain his factory took a toll on Ettore’s health, and after failed attempts to restart production, Le Patron died in 1947.

In the wake of his death, there was no clear successor to the throne as his son Jean died in a tragic road accident years earlier. Ettore’s young second wife was left 50% of the company, his son Roland put in charge overall, and day-to-day operations fell to General Manager and company veteran Pierre Marco. With tenuous cooperation among the various factions, the stage was set for an uneasy revival.

The Bugatti Type 101
With new leadership in place at Molsheim the focus on cars could resume. The Type 73 was unveiled at the 1947 Paris Salon, and while a handful of orders came in, its introduction was fraught with problems and production never got underway. In March of 1951, The Autocar reported that “two new models in production before the end of the year is the latest hope of the Bugatti company.” One of these two models, the Type 101, marked Bugatti’s return to building traditional Grandes Routieres.

Essentially a freshened version of Jean Bugatti’s highly successful Type 57, the Type 101 utilized that car’s 3.3-liter, double overhead-cam inline 8-cylinder engine, offered with or without a supercharger. The chassis featured new Lockheed hydraulic brakes, and two gearbox options were listed – a Cotal electro-magnetic unit, or a Bugatti-designed five-speed which never materialized. It was undeniably powerful – the most powerful European road car of its time, in fact. In naturally aspirated form, the Type 101’s engine developed 135 horsepower, or an impressive 200 bhp equipped with the Weber carburetor and supercharger. Two Type 101 chassis debuted at the 1951 Paris Salon. Both cars, a 2-door saloon and convertible were bodied by Gangloff, which did a masterful job of masking the chassis’ pre-war roots while celebrating Bugatti’s legacy via the distinctive horseshoe grille.

Unfortunately, buyers weren’t convinced by the decidedly old-fashioned solid axle and fixed-head engine design. It was also enormously expensive to purchase and tax. Neither show car sold at the Salon and were retained by the factory. At least seven chassis were ultimately built: 57454 was the supercharged 2-door saloon by Gangloff. 101500 is the first official Type 101 prototype, bodied as a four-door saloon by Guillore. 101501 is the Gangloff convertible show car, and 101502 is believed to be another Guillore saloon. Chassis 101504 is a wild-looking supercharged coupe by Antem, and 101505 had long been missing. The final car, a supercharged 101C s/n 101506, remained unbodied and owned by the factory until 1961.

Bugatti Type 101C Chassis 101506
The availability of any Bugatti Type 101 represents an incredibly rare opportunity for collectors, while the car offered here, chassis 101506, is perhaps the ultimate prize – the chance to own the very last Bugatti road car produced at Molsheim under the auspices of the Bugatti family.

S/N 101506 was the final Type 101C chassis built, and it languished at Molsheim without coachwork until 1961, when it was acquired (still bodyless) by E. Allen Henderson, a Bugatti collector from Marlboro, New Jersey. Henderson was a very private man, and his impressive collection was largely hidden away. In 1964, experiencing ill health, Henderson reached out to his friend and confidant, L. Scott Bailey, the publisher of the highly respected Automobile Quarterly, to discuss selling some cars, including the bare 101C chassis.

Bailey had the Bugatti in mind while attending a gala for the launch of Virgil Exner’s Duesenberg revival, held at the designer’s new Birmingham, Michigan studio, having recently retired from Chrysler. The Duesenberg Model D prototype was the first realization of the Exner ‘Revival Series.’ Initiating as an idea in Esquire magazine in the early 1960s, the project centered on modern interpretations of defunct prestige brands – not retro, not replica – but evocations of storied automakers as if they never disappeared in the first place. The illustrations – initially including Duesenberg, Stutz, Mercer and Packard – caught the attention of New York based model car company Renwal, who licensed the designs for 1:25 scale plastic model kits (See above, editor collection: Note that the kit is slightly different from the car, as it was based on a drawing from earlier in the design-phase, including most notably a side- exhaust pipe). Three more marques were added, including Pierce-Arrow, the Jordan Playboy, and, of course, Bugatti.

The project soon took on a life of its own and grew beyond the scope of illustrations and plastic kits, with several of the cars taking shape in full-scale form. Virgil Exner, Sr. had a long and fruitful relationship with Carrozzeria Ghia of Italy, and it was Ghia who brought the Duesenberg concept to reality. The Stutz, with significant revisions and independent backers, went into limited production as the 1970 Stutz Blackhawk by Carrozzeria Padane, and the Mercer was realized on a 289 Cobra Chassis by Carrozzeria Sibona-Basano.

Back in Birmingham for the Duesenberg unveiling, L. Scott Bailey approached Exner mentioning the existence of the 101C – the perfect basis to bring his Bugatti concept to life. Intrigued by this possibility, Exner and company arranged a trip to New Jersey to meet with the reclusive Mr. Henderson. Upon their arrival, the housekeeper opened the barn to reveal a trove of fourteen dusty Bugattis, including a Type 57 Galibier sedan, Type 57SC Corsica Roadster, and a bodyless, running chassis with a box for a seat, bearing the chassis number 101506. A deal was soon made for $2,500, and the 101C was roused from its slumber as Virgil Exner Jr. and his best friend Mike Cleary towed it behind Exner’s 1964 Plymouth station wagon.

The lithe roadster body necessitated shortening the chassis by 18-inches, a task undertaken by Exner Jr. and Mike Cleary. Some re-engineering was required to achieve the lowered seating position, and while the car was originally fitted with a Cotal gearbox, a conventional four-speed was adopted. Virgil Exner Sr. and his team constructed clay models of the body, Exner Jr. designed the interior, and all was sent to Carrozzeria Ghia to bring the car to life in the metal.

The finished product was unveiled at the 1965 Turin Auto Salon. A lithe and low-slung roadster, it was defined by the bold horseshoe grille protruding from pontoon-like front fenders, and a speed-boat style split windscreen. Distinctive rectangular headlamps flanked the grille, and the rear end came to a neat taper not unlike the 1962 Corvette. The car was finished in a lush dark blue, accented with white painted wire wheels fitted with white pinstripe tires. Dubbed the “Type 101C-X” it was a glamorous thing, and with its supercharged engine, it promised the sort of performance worthy of its illustrious badge.

While Exner Sr. hoped the show car would spur production interest, that never happened. After driving the 101C-X approximately 1,000 miles, Exner sold it to the renowned collector Tom Barrett, co-founder of the Barrett-Jackson auction house. Barrett then sold the car to his friend and fellow ‘horse trader’ Irving “Bud” Tushinsky, who showed the car with much enthusiasm during his tenure. Chassis 101506 then enjoyed a quiet spell in the care of Harvey Ludwig, before coming to the attention of Ken Behring and Don Williams of The Blackhawk Collection who acquired it around 1984. They promptly sold it to Gen. William Lyon, where it eventually became a stablemate to Exner’s Mercer Cobra. As a cornerstone of the Lyon Family Collection for over 40 years, the significance of 101506 as the very last Bugatti was underscored by its pairing with the 1908 Type 10 Petit Pur Sang, the very first complete car designed and built by Ettore Bugatti. The 101C-X has been widely celebrated at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and in 2022, it was invited to the National Automobile Museum – Schlumpf Collection at Mulhouse, France, for a special exhibition of all seven known Type 101s.

While the Bugatti company had an inauspicious ending after the war, Virgil Exner and Carrozzeria Ghia did wonders to celebrate the marque’s final days, respecting its lofty stature in motoring lore. Today, after more than four decades in the care of the Lyon Family Collection, the Bugatti 101C-X remains stunningly original, having never been restored during its lifetime. It is said to retain nearly all of its original paint, original engine, supercharger, and gearbox as fitted by Exner, with the only notable change being chrome wire wheels and whitewall tires in place of the original painted wires. Accompanying documents include various articles, including one by renowned author Karl Ludvigson, period photos of the car under construction, and photos documenting its various exhibitions.

Opportunities to acquire such a significant piece of motoring history come rarely, if not once in a lifetime, and the chance to own the final ‘true’ Bugatti is one that should not be missed.

More info at Hyman Ltd

Artcurial Le Mans Classic Legend Auction, France, July 3, 2026

• 1925 Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix Replica, Chassis no. "3537", Estimate: €300,000 - 500,000: Not sold

In Molsheim, Bugatti’s story has always been written through the union of place, people and purpose. Across generations, the marque’s historic home in Alsace has remained the setting in which vision becomes craft, and craft becomes automotive legend. With the inauguration of La Manufacture, Bugatti now opens a new chapter on these same grounds; one shaped by the arrival of the Tourbillon era, and by the continued evolution of the exceptional savoir-faire that defines every car created in Molsheim.

Officially inaugurated on 2nd July, La Manufacture is the marque’s new world-class atelier and the future home of Tourbillon production. It marks the milestone at which Bugatti’s next era moves fully from vision into reality, yielding a contemporary production space nestled within the Château grounds, shaped by the elegance, craftsmanship, innovation and uncompromising pursuit of excellence that has always guided the brand.

The ceremony brought together representatives of the French state and local institutions, including the sub-prefect and deputy, alongside local media invited to witness this new milestone for the Alsace site. A filmed message from Sébastien Martin, France’s Minister Delegate for Industry, underlined the wider significance of the project for French industry. Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, and Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, each addressed guests before officially cutting the ribbon and opening La Manufacture to mark the start of its remarkable journey.

Following the opening of a new administrative building in 2024, the inauguration of the new Bugatti atelier symbolizes the continued ambition of the Bugatti Rimac group, led by founder and CEO Mate Rimac, to strengthen Molsheim as the historic heart of the brand. Together, these developments reflect a long-term commitment to the site, its people and the exceptional savoir-faire that has shaped every modern Bugatti since the revival of the marque with the Veyron in 2005. As Bugatti prepares for the next generation of hyper sports cars, La Manufacture has been designed to support the marque’s growth and increase production capacity to up to 200 vehicles per year.

Conceived with the same sensitivity to its surroundings that has long characterized the Château Saint Jean site, the new atelier reaffirms the importance of sustainable industrial development for Bugatti. Its low, expansive form sits naturally within the landscape, with a contemporary architectural language that respects the elegance and calm of its environment. Defined by a subtle contrast between discreet dark walls and bright glass, the building brings natural light deep into the production space, creating an atmosphere designed for both precision and for the craftspeople whose hands will bring the Tourbillon to life.

Measuring 3,245m², 135 meters in length and 25 meters in width, and standing 8.7 meters high, La Manufacture has been completed in less than a year. Its larger floorspace and intelligent layout have been created to support new levels of efficiency and capability, becoming the place where the most technically intensive phases of the assembly will take shape. Within La Manufacture, Bugatti teams will carry out exterior and interior pre-assembly phases, complete quality checks and vehicle inspections, and perform highly specialized rework processes including polishing and painting.

These are the foundational stages in bringing a Bugatti to life; processes that demand space, precision, technical focus and absolute attention to detail. By concentrating this work within La Manufacture, Bugatti is creating a more efficient and more capable production flow for the Tourbillon era, while allowing the existing Atelier to evolve with its own renewed purpose.

“Molsheim is the center of gravity for Bugatti. Every decision we make for Bugatti starts with respect for this place, its people and the extraordinary legacy that has been built here over more than a century. La Manufacture is a clear demonstration of that commitment. We wanted to empower the teams in Molsheim with a cutting-edge facility to shape the Tourbillon era, while ensuring that the soul of Bugatti remains in Alsace, at the historic home of the marque. The inauguration of La Manufacture embodies our ambition to pursue the highest standards of industrial excellence while further strengthening our connection to the region that has shaped our heritage.”
Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac

The current Atelier, designed in the shape of the Bugatti Macaron, will remain central to the marque’s production story. It will become the setting for the final exterior and interior assembly stages – the moments in which a Bugatti receives its concluding expressions of craftsmanship and character. It will also offer an even more immersive customer experience, enabling guests to come closer to the creation of their own car and, in select moments, participate in the final touches that make every Bugatti deeply personal.

As the Tourbillon ushers in a new era of performance, La Manufacture ensures that Molsheim continues to set the benchmark for the creation of the world’s most extraordinary automobiles. It is a place designed for the demands of the future, yet rooted in the same values that have shaped every Bugatti to leave Alsace since 1909; precision, artistry, innovation and an understanding that true luxury is defined by the human hand.

“Since the Veyron marked the rebirth of Bugatti in 2005, more than 1,100 vehicles have been delivered to customers worldwide. This new milestone, the inauguration of La Manufacture, marks a key moment in the rollout of Bugatti’s expansion strategy and illustrates our commitment to industrial excellence and to rooting our brand firmly in the region. The investment in Molsheim demonstrates Bugatti Rimac’s strong commitment to France, and specifically to the Alsace region. La Manufacture is an important development for Bugatti, and a project that contributes to the economic vitality and international renown of Alsace.”
Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles

La Manufacture will now be equipped with tailor-made tooling systems and materials to be ready for the planning of the Tourbillon’s start of production.

Bonhams' The Greenwich Auction, Greenwich, USA, May 31, 2026

• 2020 Pur Sang Type 35B, chassis number 603PS, Sold for US$212,800 inc. premium

The next one-off Bugatti is expected to be a cross between the Bolide and the Tourbillon. The new hypercar will be the third project from Programme Solitare, following the debut Brouillard, which was unveiled during last year’s Monterey Car Week, and the F.K.P. Hommage, which was shown at Retromobile earlier this year.

Between the radical Bolide and the new hybrid Tourbillon, Bugatti is preparing a third one-off Solitaire based on the Chiron W16 for 2026. A transitional hypercar that collectors are already eagerly awaiting. Very few details are official at the moment. We only know that it will once again be a one-off, reserved for a select client. It will be conceived as a rolling work of art. And the first rumors suggest a creation that could surprise even Molsheim regulars, according to The Supercar Blog.

Launched in 2025, the Solitaire Program allows Bugatti to return to its coachbuilding roots. Each car is entirely designed around a single owner. Each project is based on an existing platform, such as the Bugatti Chiron. It then receives a unique body, interior, and narrative. All of this comes at a pivotal moment for the brand. It finds itself caught between the last W16-powered models and the arrival of the new Bugatti Tourbillon hybrid V16. And this third chapter promises to be the most audacious of the bunch.

Bugatti Solitaire Program: A Third One-Off on the Way
Behind this poetic name, the Bugatti Solitaire Program is an internal structure that delivers a maximum of two creations per year. The first, Brouillard, was revealed during Monterey Car Week 2025 in California. This hypercar is based on the latest evolution of the Chiron's carbon-aluminum chassis. It boasts an 8.0-liter W16 engine producing nearly 1,600 hp. Its style and history pay homage to Ettore Bugatti's beloved horse, in a truly haute couture automotive approach. Some observers already estimate its price to be well over $30 million, or approximately €27.5 million.

This blend of DNA is far from insignificant. The Bugatti Bolide is a hypercar strictly reserved for the track, produced in a limited run of 40 units. It is derived from the Chiron and can reach approximately 1,850 hp. The Bugatti Tourbillon, on the other hand, opens a new chapter. It features a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 engine paired with three electric motors for nearly 1,800 hp and a brand-new carbon fiber platform. This future one-off would thus combine the style of this new era with a W16 engine that is nearing the end of its production run. No details are given regarding power output, road homologation, or price. Bugatti has already announced full production of its production models until 2029.

Image above: the first one in the Solitaire program, the Brouillard

Ni-Cola Auction, Ladenburg, Germany, May 22, 2026

• Baby Bugatti ca. 1926 to 1932 s/n 309A, Estimate: €40,000-€120,000: Sold for €60,000

Broad Arrow The Concorso d'eleganza Villa d'Este Auction, May 16 - 17, 2026

• 1926 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix, Chassis # 37226, Engine # 125, Estimate: €1.000.000 - €1.300.000: Not sold (Max bid: €780.000), now asking €900.000
• 1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Eugène Matthys, Chassis # 43248, Estimate: €2.500.000 - €3.500.000: Sold Price: €1.007.500 (including premium)

Bring a Trailer Auction, May 19, 2026

• 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, Chassis VF9SW3V33NM795035, Sold for $4,400,000

  More info

Broad Arrow, the Amelia Auction, March 6-7, 2026

• 2008 Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 Coupe, Sold for $1,957,500

Bonhams' the Miami Auction, May 3, 2026

• 2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Coupe, VIN. VF9SA25C78M795150, Estimate: US$1,250,000 - US$1,750,000: Not sold
• 2019 Bugatti Chiron Sport VIN. VF9SP3V31KM795236 Sold for US$3,024,000 inc. premium
• 2024 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport VIN. VF9SW3V38RM795098. Sold for US$4,340,000 inc. premium
  Above photo

MOLSHEIM 24.04.2026

Porsche has agreed to sell its equity stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group to a consortium led by HOF Capital, a New York-based investment firm. The relevant transaction agreements were signed on April 24. Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary conditions precedent, including regulatory clearances by the relevant authorities.

Porsche and Rimac Group established Bugatti Rimac as a joint venture in 2021 to serve as home to the iconic Bugatti brand. In this joint venture, Porsche holds a minority stake of 45%, Rimac Group owns 55%. Porsche also holds a 20.6% stake in Rimac Group. As part of the transaction announced today, Porsche will fully divest its equity stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group to the HOF Capital-led consortium. This includes BlueFive Capital as its largest investor, as well as a group of institutional investors across the US and EU. Following completion, Rimac Group is set to take control of Bugatti Rimac and form a strategic partnership with HOF Capital and BlueFive Capital to support its continued growth. HOF Capital will additionally join Rimac Group as the largest shareholder alongside Mate Rimac, founder of Rimac and CEO of Bugatti Rimac. Subject to regulatory clearances, completion is expected to occur before the end of 2026. The parties have agreed to keep the financial terms of the transaction confidential, except where disclosure is required under applicable financial reporting obligations.

Dr Michael Leiters, CEO of Porsche AG: “In setting up the joint venture Bugatti Rimac together with Rimac Group, we successfully laid the foundation for Bugatti’s future. And as an early-stage investor of Rimac Group, Porsche made a significant contribution to developing Rimac Technology into an established Tier-1 automotive technology company. Now, with the sale of our stake, we demonstrate that we will focus Porsche on the core business. We would like to thank Mate Rimac and his team for the constructive and trusting cooperation over the past years.”

“Porsche has been a crucial partner, and we are deeply grateful for their role in establishing Bugatti Rimac. With the strong foundations their support has provided, we now have a structure that allows us to execute even faster on our long-term vision. We look forward to our collaboration with our new partners.”

Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac

Hisham Elhaddad, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of HOF Capital: “For over a century, Bugatti has stood apart as a brand where heritage and innovation coexist at the highest level. We are proud to partner with Mate Rimac and his team to help shape the next chapter, balancing disciplined growth with a tradition of craftsmanship and originality that remains unmatched.”

Hazem Ben-Gacem, Founder and Chief Executive of BlueFive Capital: “Bugatti is a monument to automotive obsession, born from Ettore Bugatti’s pursuit of beauty and performance combined. BlueFive Capital approaches this opportunity as more than simply a financial transaction, and we look forward to working alongside the entire Bugatti Rimac team to honor that legacy for generations to come.”

From other Newssites than the official Bugatti one:
The decision is related to the financial pressure on the Porsche company. Porsche's operating profit fell by 93% last year, while the margin dropped to 1.1%, compared to 14.1% a year earlier. Due to weaker demand in China and pressure from US tariffs, the new CEO is focusing on cost savings and freeing up capital. The sale of the Bugatti Rimac stake is part of that strategy.

Porsche's departure changes the balance of power in the hypercar and electric vehicle segment. Rimac gains more room to develop its technologies and the Bugatti brand, while Porsche focuses on core models and restoring profitability. Bugatti Rimac is valued at over $1 billion, underscoring investor interest in high-tech supercars.

What We Know About the New shareholders
The Sawiris family controls one of the largest industrial empires in Egypt and the Middle East. Active in telecommunications, construction, and energy, they are among the wealthiest families in Africa. Onsi Sawiris, son of billionaire Naguib Sawiris, runs HOF Capital from the United States.

What This Changes means for Bugatti and the Automotive Industry
This sale of part of the shares of Rimac and Bugatti-Rimac to the Egyptian Sawiris family opens a new era for the French brand. The new owners have massive financial resources and a powerful network, particularly in the Gulf and Asia, where demand for hypercars remains very strong.

What's Behind This Announcement?
Behind this announcement lies a more nuanced reality than a simple transfer of ownership. Porsche's shares - 45% in Bugatti Rimac and just over 20% in Rimac Group - were not sold directly to Rimac, but to a consortium of investors. This financial subtlety barely masks the essential point: the German manufacturer is withdrawing completely from the project.

In reality, it is Rimac that emerges strengthened from this transaction. Already a central player in the joint venture, the Croatian group consolidates its influence over Bugatti, now free from the shadow of the Volkswagen Group. A logical, almost inevitable development, given that the initial balance rested on an alliance between tradition and innovation.

Background
When Bugatti and Rimac joined forces, the ambition was clear: to combine the heritage of a century-old brand with the technological cutting edge of electric vehicles. A bold gamble, driven by an industry undergoing rapid transformation. But a few years later, the context has changed.

For Porsche, this exit is part of a broader strategy. The manufacturer is currently facing fundamental choices, balancing accelerated electrification, cost pressures, and the need to preserve its margins. In this context, maintaining a stake in a project as specific as Bugatti Rimac no longer appears to be a priority.

Still within the Volkswagen Group?
This withdrawal also raises a deeper question: what place does Bugatti have within the Volkswagen ecosystem? Long a technological showcase and the ultimate symbol of the group's expertise, the "French" brand now seems to be following an independent path, guided by Rimac's vision.

Nevertheless, this evolution marks a clear break with the past. Since Bugatti's revival under Volkswagen in the late 1990s, the brand has never been so far removed from its historical roots. This transition is part of a broader trend, where the lines between manufacturers, startups, and investors are becoming increasingly blurred.

Ultimately, this transaction perfectly illustrates the ongoing transformations in the automotive industry. Alliances form and dissolve according to technological advancements, market trends, and economic constraints. Even the most prestigious projects are not immune to these realignments.

By leaving Bugatti, Porsche is not simply signaling the end of a partnership. It is also signaling a refocusing, almost a return to basics. It remains to be seen whether, in a world where innovation is increasingly happening outside traditional structures, this choice will prove successful.

Porsche sells Bugatti to save itself: is the sale of assets for one billion euros a sign of strength or retreat?
Porsche withdraws from Bugatti Rimac amid losses of 3.9 billion euros and a 98% drop in profits. Mate Rimac takes full control of the brand, while new investments come from New York and the Persian Gulf.

Why now?
Porsche isn't selling Bugatti because the brand is becoming less attractive. It is selling because it is itself in its most serious financial crisis since its IPO. According to Euronews, Porsche ended 2025 with €3.9 billion in write-downs, which reduced the automotive division's operating profit by 98%, from €5.3 billion to €90 million. Previously, it was precisely Porsche and Audi that subsidized the loss-making brands within the Volkswagen Group. This support position no longer exists.

RM Sotheby's the Monaco Auction, April 25, 2026

• 1999 Bugatti EB112, Chassis # ZA9CC030ERCD39003, Estimate: €1,500,000 - €2,000,000, Sold for €1,692,500
• 2024 Bugatti Bolide, Chassis # VF9NX0V08RM795004, Estimate: €3,500,000 - €4,500,000, Sold for €4,336,250

Bonhams Goodwood Members' Meeting Auction, April 19, 2026

• 1930 Bugatti Type 40 Sports, Chassis no. 40667, Engine no. 574, Estimate: £80,000 - £120,000 / € 92.000 - € 140.000, Sold for £101,200 incl. premium

One of the most mysterious modern supercars is back in the spotlight. The only Bugatti La Voiture Noire, shrouded in rumors for years, is now for sale, and the owner's identity has finally been revealed.

Ownership mystery solved after years
The hypercar turns out to have been purchased by former Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piëch. The transaction actually took place in 2019 but was never officially confirmed, fueling endless speculation - including rumors that various celebrities had bought the car.

After Piëch's death, the car passed to his son Anton Piëch, who has now decided to sell it. This brings an end to the long-running intrigue surrounding one of the most expensive cars in history.

Price rises to 25 million euros
Originally, the La Voiture Noire cost approximately 16.7 million euros, making it already the most expensive new car ever. Since then, the price has risen to approximately 25 million euros, underscoring its status as a true collector's item.

The sale is taking place privately. Potential buyers must demonstrate they have the means, pass vetting, and only then gain access to all details about the car.

A quiet, discreet sale
The organizers of the deal had initially planned to keep everything secret, without any publicity. However, the news leaked out anyway, which only increased interest in the vehicle.

At the same time, attention is also focused on the situation surrounding Piëch Automotive - a project that has still not reached series production. That adds some context: the sale of the hypercar may not be solely about finding a new owner, but could also be linked to broader business decisions.

Ultimately, the story of the La Voiture Noire is entering a new chapter. A car that became a symbol of luxury and exclusivity is returning to the market - now as an asset with a higher price tag and a fully documented history.

From: speedme.ru

It is a two-wheeler though, and has 1/2 horsepower at best...

Bugatti teamed up with the bicycle manufacturer Factor, and presents the Bugatti Factor One, relatively cheap at $23,599 if compared with the 4-wheel Bugatti's. Relatively expensive when compared with other bicycles, even those made by Factor.

Below that what Bugatti has to say about it.

The Bugatti Factor ONE: a radical fusion of hypercar engineering and elite cycling performance
Bugatti has partnered with Factor Bikes, a high-performance bicycle manufacturer and engineering-first brand, in a groundbreaking collaboration that redefines what is possible at the intersection of automotive engineering and high-performance cycling. Founded in Norfolk, UK by former professional cyclist and carbon-engineering pioneer, Rob Gitelis, Factor Bikes is building the fastest UCI-legal racing bikes in the world. Factor designs, prototypes, and manufactures its frames in-house, enabling unmatched speed of innovation and uncompromising control over performance.

Both worlds' greatest races demand the same things: absolute excellence, marginal gains, and the kind of engineering precision and personal dedication that separates victory from defeat. Designed without compromise, the Bugatti Factor ONE melds the DNA of the legendary hyper sports cars brand with the most innovative bicycle engineering to create a bike that exemplifies absolute speed, precision, and exclusivity.

Born from a shared philosophy of obsessive attention to detail and performance without limits, the Bugatti Factor ONE represents a new benchmark in pioneering cycling design. Every element of the bike has been meticulously engineered to deliver uncompromising aerodynamic efficiency, stiffness, and ride quality, drawing directly from Bugatti’s legacy of engineering excellence and Factor’s proven expertise in elite-level bicycle design

Limited to just 250 individually numbered units worldwide, the Bugatti Factor ONE reflects the same exclusivity and attention to detail that defines every Bugatti automobile.

From the Type 35 race car dominating Grand Prix in the 1920s, to the Veyron and Chiron redefining the possibilities in terms of road cars, Bugatti has always aimed at pushing the boundaries to remain incomparable. Similarly, Factor Bikes have been developed to be the fastest, high performance bikes in the world. With the release of the Factor ONE, the world’s fastest UCI-legal road bike, it became clear how much innovation within the rulebook confines of the UCI, cycling's controlling body, could achieve. The Bugatti Factor ONE eschews the rulebook, resulting in a frame with a wider fork stance and lower drag numbers.

Based on trust and mutual respect, the collaboration enabled Factor to pursue the fastest configuration they could validate, regardless of complexity or convention with one philosophy: if a feature does not deliver a measurable advantage, it has no reason to exist.

"The Bugatti Factor ONE is not simply a bicycle. It is a statement. This project challenged us to rethink every assumption and push engineering boundaries in the same way Bugatti has done in the automotive world for over a century."
Rob Gitelis, Founder of Factor Bikes

Advanced carbon construction, sharp aerodynamic profiling, and a fully integrated design language result in a machine that is as visually striking as it is technically sophisticated. The bike features a distinctive two-tone split graphic, a design signature synonymous with Bugatti. This bold visual division accentuates the bike’s sculpted surfaces and aerodynamic forms mirrors the Bugatti’s hyper sports cars.

"The Bugatti Factor ONE is the result of a shared vision between two brands devoted to mastery and ambition. Every element of this bicycle, like the wide fork, for example, has been meticulously engineered to deliver measurable aerodynamic gains, reducing drag through refined shaping and optimized airflow management around the leading edge of the bike. It translates the incomparable attention to detail of Bugatti hypercars into a completely new category. It demonstrates that our pursuit of excellence and craftsmanship extends beyond hypercars, creating a machine that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in high-performance cycling."
Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director Brand & Licensing at Bugatti International

Honoring Bugatti's rich legacy and the brand's successful racing history, the bike is adorned with the famous Bugatti Blue. In the 1920s, when international racing colors were assigned by nationality, this shade represented France, and when Ettore Bugatti's Type 35 dominated Grand Prix racing, it became synonymous with victory itself. That same declaration of intent is carried here, with the prominent white 'BUGATTI' script along the frame ensuring the bike's identity remains unmistakable at speed.

Prominently positioned at the front of the bike is the 'Dancing Elephant', one of Bugatti's most iconic and historic symbols created by artist Rembrandt Bugatti, brother of the brand's founder, Ettore. Reinterpreted for the Bugatti Factor ONE, the emblem serves as a subtle tribute to the marque's artistic heritage, uniting engineering precision with timeless design.

Engineering innovation extends well beyond aesthetics. The front fork has been meticulously designed to reduce drag through refined shaping and enhanced airflow management around the leading edge of the bike. This design not only enhances high-speed efficiency but also improves front-end stability, ensuring precise handling under race conditions.

The collaboration extends deep into component development. Several bespoke components such as the Selle Italia saddle, CARBON-TI rotors and chainrings, and Continental tires have been customised exclusively for the Bugatti Factor ONE, each made to complement the frame's ultra-performance philosophy. At the heart of the specification list are the Black Inc Bugatti Hyper 62 Wheels, conceived as the cycling equivalent of a hypercar wheelset.

Incredibly light at 1298 grams for the pair, the 62 mm rim profile has been optimized for sustained high-speed efficiency, balancing drag reduction with exceptional crosswind stability. The advanced carbon layup has been tuned to maximize torsional stiffness and power transfer under load, while maintaining controlled compliance for refined ride quality. Groundbreaking technological advancements like the co-moulded boomerang spokes, precision-engineered hub internals, and enhanced hub/flange bonding allow for an ultra-bright ride quality that feels lively and direct, with unparalleled efficiency.

The Bugatti Factor ONE reflects shared values of innovation, precision, and performance at the highest level. The result is a bicycle designed for cyclists who demand the extraordinary, both from themselves and their equipment.

Intended for collectors, enthusiasts, and athletes who seek the rarest expression of performance cycling.

More info on the Factor website.

Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auctions, March 5 - 6, 2026

• 1929 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport, Chassis 40801, Engine 701, Estimate: $350,000 - $450,000 - Without Reserve, sold for: $240,800
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by Vanvooren, Chassis 57742, Engine 516 (Supercharged), Estimate $800,000 - $1,200,000, sold for: $709,000

RM Sotheby's Miami auction, USA, February 27, 2026

• 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4, chassis # VF9SA15BX6M795013: Sold for $2,122,500
• 2024 Bugatti Bolide, chassis # VF9SX0V01RM795008: Sold for $4,955,000

More info

Kraft Auction Service, Valparaiso, USA, February 1, 2026

• Electric Bugatti Children's Size Pedal Style Car, Estimate $25-$10,000: Sold for $50,000 (€42,150)

This is really unbelievable! Where many of the real Bugattis struggle to even reach their lower estimates, see the news of February 1, this Baby replica, different from the original in almost all details with ugly wheels and ditto tires, reaches $50k! How? Did the bidder think it was original?

More info

Caroline Bugatti (on the right at Retromobile 2026) introduces a newly designed jewel, in cooperation with Benjamin Gratia, she explains:

My family history is a fabulous legacy.
Behind the wheel of the Type 35, I've traveled the beautiful roads of France and beyond, creating unforgettable memories and wonderful encounters.

I was eager to share this legacy through an iconic Type 35 piece.
I collaborated on and followed every step of its design, thanks to the expertise of an Alsatian jeweler, Benjamin Gratia.

Today, this piece of jewelry is a nod to the fabulous history of the Type 35 and my grandfather, Ettore Bugatti.

It is available in 6 versions, three metals: silver, white gold and yellow gold, and two types of finish: Polished and Brushed. Personally, I like the brushed silver version best, as it closest resembles the original Type 35 wheel.

Type 35 Heritage
The Type 35 is the founding father of a family of purebred racehorses from Molsheim, a true thoroughbred. When it was presented in 1924, the Bugatti Type 35 represented innovations in terms of technology, design, power, but above all, its consistency and versatility. It alone represents a new era in motor racing. The Type 35 was one of the highest-performing cars of its time and the first to be equipped with revolutionary wheels, cast in aluminum, with removable rims and integrated brake drums specifically designed for racing. These wheels improved suspension performance and brake cooling thanks to the clever orientation of the flat spokes, creating a turbine effect. Beyond being a technical feat, the beauty of these wheels undeniably contributed to the aesthetic success of the Type 35. Two years after launching the Type 35, Bugatti won its first World Sportscar Championship in 1926. With an unparalleled record of over two thousand racing victories, it is not only the most famous Bugatti but also one of the cars that has most significantly shaped automotive history.

For more information and ordering: CarolineBugatti.fr

Artcurial Auction, The Peninsula Paris, January 27, 2026

• 1926 Bugatti Type 37, Chassis no 37201, Engine no 92, Estimate: €600,000 - 800,000: Not Sold
• 1931 Bugatti Type 51 Ex-Works, Chassis N° 51132, Engine N°189 ex-51138, Estimate: €1,300,000 - 2,000,000: Not Sold
• Bugatti vice, First series, Estimate: €8,000 - 12,000: Sold for €15,888 incl. premium
• ca. 1990 Bugatti 35B replica Pur Sang, Estimate: €250,000 - 350,000: Not Sold

RM Sotheby's Paris Auction, January 28, 2026

• 2024 Bugatti Bolide, Chassis no. VF9SX0V08RM795037, Estimate: €4,000,000 - €6,000,000: Sold for €3,998,750 incl. premium
• Bugatti Type 35 Children’s Car, handcrafted by Radek Bina, Estimate: €35,000 - €45,000: Sold for €54,000 incl. premium
• Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Children's Car by the Cyclekart Company, Estimate: €50,000 - €100,000: Sold for €78,000 incl. premium

Gooding Christie's Retromobile Auction, January 29, 2026

• 1928 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport, Chassis 40662, Engine 586, Estimate: €350,000 - €450,000: Not Sold (max bid €220,000)
• 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante, Chassis, 57718, Engine 45C, Estimate: €2,250,000 - €2,750,000: Sold for €2,255,000 incl. premium

Gros & Delettrez 100% Automobilia Arts & Cars Auction, January 30, 2026

• Bugatti vice, Estimate: €8,000 - 14,000: Sold for €14,000 plus premium

Bonhams the Paris Sale Auction, January 30, 2026

• 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Galibier, Chassis no. 57140, Engine no. 35, Estimate: €220,000 - €280,000: Sold for €218,500 incl. premium

And it looks exactly like a Veyron

The latest one-off in the "Solitaire" Programme is a hommage to the founder of the Bugatti-rebirth, the then director of Volkswagen, Ferdinand Karl Piëch. Hence the name: F.K.P.

Below the text how Bugatti SAS announces this one-off edition.

The Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage: Honoring the Veyron and its visionary creator

Twenty years ago, the Bugatti Veyron rewrote the rules of automotive possibility. With 1,001 hp, a top speed exceeding 400 km/h, and a level of refinement unheard of in a performance car, it created an entirely new category: the hyper-GT. Today, as the second creation of Programme Solitaire, Bugatti unveils the F.K.P. Hommage – a masterpiece that honors both the revolutionary spirit of the original Veyron and the visionary engineer who made it possible: Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch

The story of the Veyron begins not in Molsheim, but on a bullet train in Japan, where Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch sketched the revolutionary W engine configuration that would become the beating heart of Bugatti's renaissance. As Chairman of the Volkswagen Group, Piëch had already demonstrated his engineering genius through the development of Volkswagen's unique VR engine architecture – from the compact VR6 that transformed the Golf, through the W8 and W12 that powered Passats and Bentleys, to the ultimate expression: the quad-turbocharged W16.

The W16 engine itself represents a marvel of packaging. By staggering cylinders in a short and wide-bank configuration, engineers compressed what would typically be a meter-long powerplant into just 645 millimeters – enabling the Veyron's remarkably compact 2,700mm wheelbase. This architectural brilliance, combined with all-wheel drive and near-perfect weight distribution, created a hypercar that was as civilized as it was devastating.

“Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch was a man who saw the impossible not as a roadblock but as a challenge. His vision for Bugatti was absolute: 1,000 horsepower, 400 km/h top speed, all-wheel drive, and refined enough to arrive at the opera in a tuxedo or a ball gown. The F.K.P. Hommage celebrates this uncompromising pursuit of excellence, combining the timeless proportions of the original Veyron with two decades of engineering evolution.”

Hendrik Malinowski - Managing Director of Bugatti

When the Veyron debuted at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, designed by a young Jozef Kaban under Hartmut Warkuss's direction, it presented a radically different aesthetic philosophy. Where many supercars still followed the forward-leaning wedge shapes popularized by Gandini, the Veyron reclined. Noble and self-assured – it was a 1,000-horsepower car defined by composure rather than spectacle. This confident, Bauhaus-influenced design language has aged remarkably well, remaining contemporary two decades later.

Built upon the highest evolution of Bugatti's W16 platform, the F.K.P. Hommage features the 1,600 hp quad-turbocharged engine first introduced in the Chiron Super Sport – the very car that fulfilled Piëch's speed ambitions by exceeding 300 mph. This represents the pinnacle of W16 development: larger turbochargers, enhanced intercoolers, upgraded cooling systems, and a reinforced gearbox capable of handling the increased torque.

The exterior showcases a subtle yet significant evolution. While maintaining the Veyron's leaning-back posture and dropping belt line – at a time when supercars were simply repeating the wedge-shaped, forward-angled look – every surface has now been refined. The three-dimensional horseshoe grille, machined from a solid block of aluminum, now flows organically into surrounding bodywork, rather than its original more two-dimensional approach. This new clarity extends to the color division, which aligns precisely with the updated panel layout, creating a more harmonious visual split across the body. Larger air intakes within the front feed the more powerful engine, while the signature air ducts are maintained right behind the occupants’ heads. Updated wheel sizes – 20-inch front, 21-inch rear – utilize the latest Michelin tire technology, improving both performance and visual balance.

Cutting-edge paint technology has made incredible strides in the 20 years since the Veyron’s introduction, and the F.K.P. Hommage sits right at the vanguard of these improvements. A distinctive red exterior finish employs advanced layering techniques: a silver aluminum-based coat beneath a red-tinted clear coat, creating extraordinary depth and three-dimensionality that reveals itself as one moves around the car. Black-tinted exposed carbon fiber – as opposed to standard black paint – provides contrast with a 10% black pigment integrated into the clear coat, offering both visual and tactile richness upon close inspection.

“The Veyron was the first of its kind, and in the world of collectible automobiles, the first and last of a kind are always the most significant. It created an entirely new segment – the million-euro hypercar that could travel to the opera in the evening and break speed records by day. When I first arrived at Bugatti, I was sketching developments of the Veyron, looking at how we could evolve the styling; ultimately these projects never came to fruition, but it feels almost as though Prof. Dr. Piëch could see we would have a need for them one day. If he was still here to see this ‘next opportunity’ made real, I’m sure he would agree that this is the most appropriate celebration of his vision that we could possibly create.”

Frank Heyl - Bugatti Design Director

The F.K.P. Hommage’s interior represents a near-complete revolution compared with any other recent W16 model, including both Chiron and Mistral. A unique steering wheel – circular and Bauhaus in character like the original Veyron – joins a completely bespoke center console and tunnel cover machined from solid aluminum blocks. Custom Car Couture fabrics, woven exclusively in Paris, represent Bugatti's latest advancement in interior personalization, introduced with the Tourbillon – an evolution of the leather-only interiors of the Veyron.

Dominating the dashboard is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon, a 41mm timepiece integrated into this vehicle at the request of the future owner of F.K.P. Hommage. The octagonal watch sits within an “island” finished in engine-turned polish, a technique borrowed from the finishing of Ettore Bugatti's original straight-eight cylinder heads. The watch features an ingenious self-winding mechanism: a gondola that rotates on a diagonal axis several times per hour, powered by the car itself without electrical connection. This unique integration reflects the customer’s personal vision and Bugatti’s ability to accommodate highly individual requests as part of the Programme Solitaire.

"Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Karl Piëch was the ultimate engineer, always demanding that his cars had the very latest and most advanced technology. So for the F.K.P. Hommage we honor his vision with the highest specification engine of 1,600 hp, the reinforced double-clutch gearbox, the latest tire compounds and optimized thermo- and aerodynamics – all the latest developments across 20 years of W16 evolution, wrapped in the timeless shape of a Veyron. It was a tremendous honor to work directly with the client on this project, refining every detail through multiple iterations to create what I consider the ideal, definitive Veyron."

Frank Heyl - Bugatti Design Director

The F.K.P. Hommage joins Brouillard as the second creation of Programme Solitaire, Bugatti's exclusive initiative creating up to two bespoke masterpieces annually. Like all Solitaire projects, it completely reimagines the bodywork, interior details, and delivers ultimate personalization that celebrates the deep stories woven throughout Bugatti's heritage.

Bring a Trailer Auction USA, December 23, 2025

• 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, Chassis no. VF9SW3V34NM795044, Sold for $4,000,000

Oldtimergalerie Toffen Gstaad Auction, December 29, 2025

• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Sports Coach by Graber, Chassis: 57443, Not sold

Bring a Trailer Auction USA, December 31, 2025

• 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4, Chassis no. VF9SA15B46M795041, Sold for $1,350,000

Bugatti's family silver cutlery set.

Each of the 73 pieces, forks and spoons, as well as a large serving spoon, is engraved "EB" on the rear. The set consists of 12 small spoons and 12 small forks, and 24 each of large forks and spoons.

The cutlery set was frequently used by Bugatti when welcoming his guests such as race drivers, clients, co-workers, agents and of course his friends.

Ettore Bugatti ordered this solid silver cutlery set in Paris in 1924. It was bought from the well-known firm Cardeilhac. The Maison Cardeilhac was a renowned French silversmith house that was established in 1804 by Antoine-Vital Cardeilhac. In 1904, Ernest Cardeilhac passed the reins of the company to his two sons, Jacques and Pierre. They continued the legacy of Maison Cardeilhac, upholding the reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs.
In 1951, the Maison Cardeilhac brand was acquired by Christofle, a prominent name in the luxury silverware industry. The acquisition ensured the continuation of Maison Cardeilhac's legacy and its integration into a wider network of renowned silversmiths.

The set followed Ettore from Molsheim to Paris (Rue Boissière), then to Bordeaux shortly before World War II, and then to the Chateau d'Ermenonville. After Ettore passed away, the set went to Roland Bugatti in 1947 (again to the Rue Boissière), later to the south of France (Aix-en Provence) and remained in his possession until he passed away in 1977.

It was then privately bought by somebody from the same village.

An expertise was done by expert Christian Huet in 1993, the total Provenance is known from 1924 until now.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to be able to purchase Ettore Bugatti's personal and historical piece of Patrimony.

Only serious offers will be considered, please contact Jaap Horst, at: J.J.Horst@BugattiPage.com.

Above Image: Early Bugatti Type 30 outside the Paris Showroom 116 Avenue de Champs Elysées. Photo Courtesy The Bugatti Trust Archive.

The Bugatti Trust Museum and Study Centre, Gloucestershire, is delighted to announce a new exhibition opening at the end of May, dedicated to exploring the importance of the Bugatti Type 30 in the development of the Bugatti marque and factory.

As Bugatti’s first production eight-cylinder model, introduced in 1922, the Type 30 marked a step change in performance, engineering sophistication and design, representing a vital link between the early four-cylinder models and the later Grand Prix legends such as the Type 35. Through carefully selected archive material including historic documents and photographs, original factory film footage and technical drawings from the Trust’s extensive collection, the exhibition will show how the Type 30’s advanced inline eight-engine, four-wheel braking and the modified chassis design helped shape Bugatti’s approach to both road and competition cars.

Visitors will discover how the Type 30 underpinned later developments at the Molsheim factory and how its engineering solutions influenced some of the most successful racing Bugattis of the 1920s.

The Bugatti Trust’s established STEM outreach work which already includes initiatives such as Formula Student, STEM Racing and VEX Robotics as well as collaborative design challenges, will be complemented by new learning resources developed specifically around the Type 30 exhibition.

Further info

• 1925 Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix Replica, Chassis no. "3537", Estimate: €300,000 - 500,000

It made its first official appearance on 3 August 1924 at the Lyon Grand Prix and even though it was not an immediate success, the essentials were there: a narrow horseshoe radiator leading into a streamlined body, finishing in a ‘Bordino tail’, magnificent cast-aluminium wheels with integrated brake drums and a remarkable 8-cylinder in-line 2-litre engine derived from the Type 30. The entire car was built to a remarkable standard, it was well balanced and fast and did not take long to establish itself worldwide.

The 35 evolved in accordance with the regulations: its engine capacity increased (35T - 2300 cc) and its power output rose, thanks to the fitting of a supercharger (35B and 35C). These developments also led to some discreet aesthetic changes such as a wider radiator. That being said, the 35 ‘Grand Prix de Lyon’ remains the first milestone in this exceptional history and still has a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts.

This was the case for Pierre Feidt, a famous Bugatti collector from Alsace. He set about building this replica at the beginning of the 2000s, with all the attention and knowledge required to produce a high-quality car.

Many parts were supplied from England, while the engine, a 2-litre unit with a roller bearing crankshaft, was built by the renowned and talented specialist Laurent Rondoni, from Ventoux Moteur Ingénierie. The gearbox was also specially built, but the axle housing is a period component.

The car was fitted with large-diameter brakes. The assembly and finishing work on the car were carried out by Feidt’s mechanic. Once completed, the car was used regularly and took part in numerous events, including the Bugatti Festival at Molsheim, the Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or at Montlhéry, the Grand Prix Historique de Cologny, Sport & Collection at Le Vigeant, and the Course de Côte de Turckheim.

The many miles it covered have given it a magnificent patina. After Pierre Feidt passed away, his collection was sold at auction in 2019, and it was on this occasion that its current owner bought the car.

It then continued on its way and was maintained by the noted specialist Francis Courteix. In 2022, the clutch was reconditioned and adjusted, the cooling system cleaned, the fuel system overhauled and a new starter fitted. In October 2023, the top end of the engine was rebuilt; the pistons, valves and camshaft were replaced and a temperature sensor installed.

With its natural patina and well cared-for engine, this Type 35 is the result of work carried out by connoisseurs, the opportunity to enter another world, a world of pre-war racing cars that can be driven on the road, as attractive aesthetically as they are mechanically.

Further info